Match Report: Folkestone Invicta (A)

Brentwood Town remain in second place after a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Folkestone Invicta, who extended their lead at the top of the table to 9 points.

A spirited performance and strong defensive display by the Blues left both sides level at the break, with a spot-kick by substitute Ade Yusuff proving to be the difference.

Adam Lovatt looked to give the hosts an early lead when an edge of box strike encountered a stretched save tipped over the bar by Melvin Minter.

A flurry of chances then fell to the hosts as Jake Hutchinson found himself one-on-one with Minter firing his effort against the woodwork, before his second attempt was met with a goal line clearance from captain Matt Cripps.

Before the break the Blues produced a few attacking moments. A curled effort from Kymani Thomas fell just above the crossbar, and an in-swinging delivery by Jesse Olukolu was met by a narrowly wide header from Charlie Edwards.

Following the restart, Folkestone continued on the ascendancy. Joe Pigott’s header struck against the bar, and Hutchinson again came close on a couple of occasions, but was unable to convert his chances.

Lovatt was then denied again, this time seeing his shot rattle against the post. Eventually, the pressure was too much as the hosts won a penalty when Ade Yusuff went down in the box following a challenge from Danny Ogunleye. The striker stepped up, and despite Minter getting a fingertip to the shot, the ball nestled into the back of the net.

With the clock ticking, Ogunleye produced Brentwood’s best chance of the second-half, but saw his long-ranged effort was comfortably held by Ted Collins.

Brentwood Town return to league action on Tuesday as they host Cheshunt under the lights at The Arena.